THE Little Blacks had an early start to make their way to Chard where they would play their first match of the weekend, writes Darren Tait.

Our hosts were very hospitable and presented us with a Chard RFC hanging flag. Our hosts played two games, the first of which they won 50pts-35, Jo Hunt, Asher Gallimore, and Ross Jarvis all scored two tries each and Dominic Roberts scored one. The next game was played and was a tough tagging match, both sides played well The Little Blacks and came out victorious 50pts-20, Ross Jarvis scored 4 tries, Corey Sillifant and Frances Fox scored two each and Keiron Sargent and Ben Webb scored one each. The Little Blacks worked hard and well together.

After taking part in the re-enactment of the battle of Britain which The Little Blacks thoroughly enjoyed, we mounted the coaches accompanied by U-11s and U-8s and headed to Dorchester for a meal which was superb.

Early rising again took us to Bournemouth Mini Rugby Festival, setting up camp for the day, the first match was a bye and gained us three valuable points, the second saw us facing Salisbury.

The Little Blacks scored the first try thanks to Edward Tait and managed to maintain the lead. Salisbury had some fine players and good runners, but The Little Blacks kept them at bay and won their second game another valuable three points. Final score Salisbury 15pts, The Little Blacks 25.

New Milton (1) was the next team to face The Little Blacks and they held their own. This team were superb at tagging and held a strong line of defence against our team. The Little Blacks scored the first try once again and ended on a well fought draw, 20pts-20, gaining us another valuable point, The Little Blacks were keeping morale high with their Oggies! The organisers commented that they certainly knew that we were about.

North Dorset stepped up next and they ran The Little Blacks ragged and certainly had a fair crack at the whip. They have some very strong players who were able to penetrate The Little Blacks defence. Six tries each later; Launceston had drawn their last group table game.

The Little Blacks camp waited with baited breath to hear of the final score between New Milton and Salisbury, we needed New Milton to lose to win the group on points. We came second in our group putting us up for the shield,

We faced New Milton (2) this was the semi-final, if we lost this match it was all over for The Little Blacks, "Oggied" up and ready for battle, morale was high and the parents were wound up more than the kids. This side were fast and scored the first try, they put our Little Blacks under pressure, but, from nowhere, the blacks started a tagging frenzy, there was a shuffle in team tactics to confuse the other side, it worked and The Little Blacks came through, winning 25pts-20. The Little Blacks were over the moon, not as much as the parents!

A short break led to the grand final of the shield.

The Little Blacks faced Wootton Bassett, a team who were looking tidy and tight in defence. The Little Blacks looked to be in trouble when Wootton Bassett went two tries ahead, again all the stops were pulled out and The Little Blacks found reserves of energy (despite the sun beating down on them) to begin the best display of tag rugby they have produced yet. Wootton Bassett could no longer penetrate The Little Blacks line; they were defeated time and time again. Tag after tag came off. Possession was won time after time which led to victory. Skipper Tom Jewell and his hardy bunch of Little Blacks held the shield high.

It was like we had won the World Cup. It was an emotional sight to see as all The Little Blacks congratulate each other, hugging and shouting Oggies!

Parents and grandparents were jumping up and down, picking each other up and congratulating each other.

All credit to Wootton Basset as they made a tunnel for our little heroes to run through at the end of the match, what good sportsmanship!

What a way to end the season, a well deserved addition to the trophy cabinet. A brilliant experience for the team and a worthy win. Very well done Blacks!

Launceston Touring Team: Ellie Carter, Frances Fox, Asher Gallimore, Mark Horrell, Jo Hunt, Ross Jarvis, Tom Jewell, Dominic Roberts, Keiron Sargent, Corey Sillifant, Edward Tait and Ben Webb

Tour Try Scorers: Jo Hunt (4), Dominic Roberts (1), Asher Gallimore (2), Ross Jarvis (14), Ben Webb (1), Corey Sillifant (2), Keiron Sargent (3), Frances Fox (5), Edward Tait (9), and Tom Jewell (3).